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[TheOriginal]

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[Fenr1r]

Unlikely IMO. The best online prices tend to be from very large companies who order many hundreds if not thousands of units and get very good prices compared to smaller local FFLs who also have to go through another middle man who gets their cut.

It wouldn't surprise me if the FFL cost is higher than say Buds online selling price.

It wouldn't hurt to ask. Like if online price plus tax fees etc is 100 dollars less than buying directly from FFL, see if they will split the difference. I know I would to make $50 today on a sale.

[Merc1138]

It doesn't hurt to ask, but it's extremely unlikely as Fenr1r mentioned.

[bender152]

In my opinion, it's unlikely. But if you have an established relationship with the FFL, he might. If you've bought a dozen guns from him over the years, he'd probably be more inclined to discount his product. If it's your first transaction with the FFL, your chances are slim.

Also, if this is a gun everyone wants and that the FFL will have no problem selling, he's not going to discount it for you. But if it's a gun that's been sitting in his shop for months collecting dust, he'll be motivated to move it.

[TheOriginal]

In my opinion, it's unlikely. But if you have an established relationship with the FFL, he might. If you've bought a dozen guns from him over the years, he'd probably be more inclined to discount his product. If it's your first transaction with the FFL, your chances are slim.

Also, if this is a gun everyone wants and that the FFL will have no problem selling, he's not going to discount it for you. But if it's a gun that's been sitting in his shop for months collecting dust, he'll be motivated to move it.

It doesn't hurt to ask, but it's extremely unlikely as Fenr1r mentioned.

Unlikely IMO. The best online prices tend to be from very large companies who order many hundreds if not thousands of units and get very good prices compared to smaller local FFLs who also have to go through another middle man who gets their cut.

It wouldn't surprise me if the FFL cost is higher than say Buds online selling price.

It wouldn't hurt to ask. Like if online price plus tax fees etc is 100 dollars less than buying directly from FFL, see if they will split the difference. I know I would to make $50 today on a sale.

Gotcha, Thanks guys I appreciate it. Ive been finding alot of good prices on the 1911s and thought Id give it a try. Thought I would be able to get save myself the money and shipping time. Good to know though!

[teg33]

Gotcha, Thanks guys I appreciate it. Ive been finding alot of good prices on the 1911s and thought Id give it a try. Thought I would be able to get save myself the money and shipping time. Good to know though!

You also need to consider shipping cost and FFL fees + DROS when you buy online

[Burbur]

Ask.

It all comes down to profit margin. If the FFL has to discount where his margin is less than his transfer fee, a good dealer will advise you to buy it online and give him $60 to do the paperwork.

[thenodnarb]

In many cases, buds online price with free shipping is better than some distributor prices for local gun shops. If the distributor is lower, its not by much.

[CK_32]

Usually not.

[whipkiller]

LGS have legitimate overhead costs so I can't expect them to match online prices.

I have had good results by telling them "Here's what I can get it for online. I don't expect you to be able to match that but I'd rather support my LGS, do you guys have any wiggle room?"

I think if you are talking to the right person (one with the authority to negotiate) and you put in terms of "I'm trying to get the best deal I can, while supporting my LGS" rather than just trying to beat them up on price it can foster a spirit of cooperation.

Also, all things being equal, I prefer to give my money to the smaller shops vs. big chains.

[Baboosh]

1) Most big online retailers sell at dealer cost or below.
2) As FFLs we don't really get paid to sell the gun, we get paid to do the paperwork which is much more work than selling the gun.
3) It is far more costly and work to sell guns in CA than other states
4) Your typical large online retailer maybe able to order 1000 of the new hot gun everyone wants. Your LGS will have to buy 4 Mossbergs, 3 High Points, 5 Kahrs and a 4 left handed holster for a gun not made in 10 years which he will sell all at a loss or cost just to get you the gun you want.

In the end of the day saving a few bucks is nice but where are you going to ship it to if your LGS closes?

[TheOriginal]

You also need to consider shipping cost and FFL fees + DROS when you buy online

Ask.

It all comes down to profit margin. If the FFL has to discount where his margin is less than his transfer fee, a good dealer will advise you to buy it online and give him $60 to do the paperwork.

In many cases, buds online price with free shipping is better than some distributor prices for local gun shops. If the distributor is lower, its not by much.

Usually not.

LGS have legitimate overhead costs so I can't expect them to match online prices.

I have had good results by telling them "Here's what I can get it for online. I don't expect you to be able to match that but I'd rather support my LGS, do you guys have any wiggle room?"

I think if you are talking to the right person (one with the authority to negotiate) and you put in terms of "I'm trying to get the best deal I can, while supporting my LGS" rather than just trying to beat them up on price it can foster a spirit of cooperation.

Also, all things being equal, I prefer to give my money to the smaller shops vs. big chains.

1) Most big online retailers sell at dealer cost or below.
2) As FFLs we don't really get paid to sell the gun, we get paid to do the paperwork which is much more work than selling the gun.
3) It is far more costly and work to sell guns in CA than other states
4) Your typical large online retailer maybe able to order 1000 of the new hot gun everyone wants. Your LGS will have to buy 4 Mossbergs, 3 High Points, 5 Kahrs and a 4 left handed holster for a gun not made in 10 years which he will sell all at a loss or cost just to get you the gun you want.

In the end of the day saving a few bucks is nice but where are you going to ship it to if your LGS closes?

Thanks guys I appreciate all the feedback. I have decided that I will buy it online and pay the extra dros/transfer fee. Since it really isnt much. If anything ill still be saving more money. I just thought that price matching would be nice because it saves the time of having to ship the gun if they carry it in stock.